While Shirkey said the Facebook post was not the “wisest” decision he stands behind his choice to support Agema saying the article he posted was not Agema’s own data.

“He did not represent the data as his own,” Shirkey said. “It probably wasn’t the wisest thing but that doesn’t mean I think the topic isn’t important,” Shirkey said of same-sex marriage.

On March 29 Shirkey defended his stance on his Facebook page.

“I see little wrong with sharing information vital to an important debate being advanced aggressively,” Shirkey wrote. “Dave did not post this data as ‘his data’ but represented it accurately as research from a studied source.”

But, Shirkey did question the data.

“Frankly, I personally question some of the data presented in the Dr’s article…because it is a bit dated. However, there is more recent scientific research supporting many of the same claims, some even more profoundly alarming.”

Shirkey said he doesn’t “condemn those who believe they are committed to lifestyles I cannot understand. But I do reject the aggressive agenda of claiming their choices or orientations are main stream, healthy, or natural.”

Outraged critics, both Republicans and Democrats are calling for Agema's resignation.

"Instead of joining the growing chorus of Republican activists who are demanding Agema's resignation, it's disappointing to hear that Rep. Shirkey supports Agema's offensive comments about gay citizens, Zack Pohl the executive director for Progress Michigan said in an email.

"There should be no place for this type of bigotry in the Michigan Legislature. The people of Jackson County deserve better from their elected officials."

Below is Mike Shirkey’s full Facebook post on his views supporting Dave Agema

Dave Agema's recent posting has come under unworthy attack. I see little wrong with sharing information vital to an important debate being advanced aggressively. Dave did not post this data as "his data" but represented it accurately as research from a studied source. Frankly, I personally question some of the data presented in the Dr’s article…because it is a bit dated. However, there is more recent scientific research supporting many of the same claims, some even more profoundly alarming. It would be a mistake to simply dismiss it just because it is uncomfortable or inconvenient to a specific cause.

The devaluing of the family unit, defined as a mother and father and children, has clearly impacted our culture in ways that are going to be a challenge to reverse. The sociological data is indisputable. And the economic consequences are just as dramatic.

The unfortunate high failure of marriages in America is a symptom of a deeper cultural problem. It is not, in any way, a proxy validation of other choices, other lifestyles, or an invalidation of conventional marriage.

If we are to have honest, robust debates about these very critical cultural and social issues, including the gay/lesbian agenda, then we must also be honest and courageous enough to study the decades of data we now have related to a no-fault divorce culture.

I don’t condemn those who believe they are committed to lifestyles I cannot understand. But I do reject the aggressive agenda of claiming their choices or orientations are main stream, healthy, or natural. That there are people in these categories, it does challenge us all to learn how to have grace and basic human respect for individuals who might not fit our personal paradigms. It does not require everyone to change their personal beliefs. Nor should it.

It’s interesting that those advocating for special recognition by using the argument that “public perceptions and beliefs are trending toward broad acceptance” is the exact same argument we all should be willing to admit could result in rather dangerous future projections if left simply to public polls. It does not take a highly developed imagination to contemplate where we could be heading if we refuse to have debates about limits and what constitutes a moral, sustainable, healthy civilization. All in the context of love and grace.